Ideas for Christmas

Another year draws to a close, almost certainly to the deafening sound of cheers and snide remarks about what an absolutely bloody-awful year it’s been, all things considered, so good riddance to it. With a few shopping days left before Christmas, I couldn’t think of anyone better to call on than you lot, to help your fellow bloggers with last-minute gift ideas of a musical variety (or other), so please do share what you’ve bought your loved ones and indeed what you’re hoping for yourself on Christmas morning.

As unforgiving as 2016 has been for music-lovers everywhere, there were new albums from many of our long-time favourites released to considerable critical acclaim: Radiohead (A Moon Shaped Pool, in May), Paul Simon (Stranger to Stranger, in June), Metallica (Hardwired… to Self-Destruct, in November).

This Path Tonight by Graham Nash, released in April, and David Crosby’s Lighthouse, which came out in October, have been discussed favourably in the chatroom (it’s open today, from 3pm UK-time, so drop in for a pretend mince pie and festive tipple if you have the time; we’d love to see you).

David Bowie’s Blackstar came out in January, just a matter of days before the music world was rocked by the news of his unexpected death. Things just seemed to go downhill from there. Leonard Cohen’s You Want It Darker was released in late-October shortly before his passing the following month. No doubt many will be giving and receiving these two poignant swansongs as gifts this Christmas.

After since rediscovering Leonard Cohen once more, I bought the very reasonably priced (Almost But Not Quite) Complete Studio Albums Collection box set as a gift in the hope that his life’s work will bring the same enjoyment it has brought me down the years. There you go. Although it wasn’t released in 2016, don’t say I don’t give you great ideas for gifts that leave you change from a twenty.

I expect many will unwrap Before the Dawn, the live album from Kate Bush, and feel extremely pleased about that. How we now wish for a DVD and/or Blu-ray to accompany it in the not-too-distant future.

Moving swiftly on before anyone asks about any other longed-for DVD and Blu-ray…

One of my choice records this year, released in March, has been Thoughts That Float on a Different Blood by Dustin Kensrue, a wonderfully raw live album of acoustic covers which includes Cohen’s ‘Dance Me To the End of Love’, Radiohead’s ‘Creep’, and one of my favourites: Counting Crows’ ‘Round Here’.

My Woman by Angel Olsen (sounding very much like Stevie Nicks – on ‘Sister’, have a listen – then like Debbie Harry on others) is a highlight. The way the emotion spills from her is quite remarkable.

Schmilco has to claim the award for Best Title; West Coast-based rapper Anderson Paak for Best Cover Art (for Malibu), an album that caught my eye if never likely to catch my ear, with The Colour in Anything by James Blake coming a close second. What do you reckon?

If you like your psych-rock loud and infused with theremin and flute, and who doesn’t?, you might have enjoyed Nonagon Infinity by King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, released in April, where each track runs seamlessly into the next and even the last song takes you right back to the first, forming a continuous loop. The prolific Australian group have released eight albums in the last four years and are aiming to release no fewer than five – yes, five – studio albums in 2017 (King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard: can the psych band release five albums in one year?). Kids today, eh?

If you’re intrigued and have an hour to spare, here’s a recent live performance from Brussels. (The songs from Nonagon Infinity, by the way, are ‘Robot Stop’, ‘Gamma Knife’, ‘People-Vultures’ and ‘Evil Death Roll’.)

Whilst we’re on the topic of the flute in prog, and what a wonderful thing it is, maybe the four-disc Deluxe Reissue Aqualung, the Jethro Tull classic, another of Porcupine Tree’s Steven Wilson’s sublime remixes, is nestled beneath your tree right now, looking pretty, with a tag with your name on it. I do hope so.

And what of Pink Floyd? The Christmas holidays aren’t nearly long enough to savour all that comes with the mammoth Early Years: 1965-72 box set, but no doubt it will be on many people’s lists. If you couldn’t wait and splurged already, don’t keep it to yourself; tell us what you think of it.

Time Stand Still, the somewhat contentious Rush rockumentary, on DVD and Blu-ray, sounds rather interesting. I’d love to know your thoughts if you’ve seen it already.

Finally, Pete Townshend’s Deep End: Face the Face had its first official CD and DVD release in September. Filmed for German television back in January 1986, Pete is joined by our very own David on lead guitar throughout the performance, which includes all a few of your favourite Who classics as well as plenty of solo material, even ‘Blue Light’ from David’s second album About Face. Highly recommended.

These are just a few ideas if you’re stuck for something to buy.

Merry Christmas, everyone.

Author: FEd

Features Editor of David Gilmour's official blog, The Blog ('Features' previously being its rather naff title), affectionately - or lazily - shortened to 'FEd'.
View all posts by FEd

Firstly, a little festive story to warm the cockles of your heart entitled “A Christmas Present for Mum”.

Many Christmas years ago, rather than the usual cash and vouchers, I thought I’d put a bit more thought and effort into buying my Mum some real presents! Picture this, Christmas day morning with a house full. I give my Mum one of her presents to open, so with a smile, hug and peck on cheek, she tears open the wrapping to reveal what I thought was a very tasteful, practical and rather expensive M&S cardigan! She shrieked at me “What the bloody hell is this supposed to be”? I confidently replied “it’s a Cardigan”, to which she replied “I hope you’ve still got the receipt, as you’ll be taking it back to get me some bloody vouchers.” 🙂 The house was in uproar. Tears flowed like chopping onions. It just goes to show that you can’t please everybody, even your Mum; even at Christmas!

Onto this year, it’s so mixed with pure elation and heart breaking sadness! The elation was seeing David in Pompeii and at the RAH. The sadness in losing so many musical icons, which came at us with such repetitive force, that I never had time to reflect on their greatness; although for me David Bowie was the most unexpected and shocking of all! I still can’t believe it!

I wish you FEd and fellow irregulars a Merry Christmas and a Very Happy New Year 2017.

The last three I already listened to, since I couldn’t wait until this weekend. 😉

Ms Taki will also get Kate Bush’s album and I can’t wait for her reaction.

Re The Early Years: I ripped the CDs so that I can listen to them while commuting. As a documentary they are excellent, because one can hear how they developed as band. There are some hidden gems which made wonder why they weren’t released when they were new. My conclusion is that I very probably wouldn’t have been their fan without David Gilmour’s contribution. The videos will have to wait for the holidays, since they need my presence in front of the screen. 😉

I also treated myself some of the the others in the list (Jethro Tull for example) and enjoyed them but not Pete Townshend’s collaboration with David. Yet. 😉

The Pink Floyd Early years box set, I’ve barely scratched the surface of it because of time constraints, but everything I’ve seen or heard so far, it’s a must have for Floyd fans. I know it’s pricey, but it’s, in my view, worth every cent.

Thanks for the Christmas ideas Fed, and thank you for all your hard work this year (every year) on this Blog. I wish You, David, and all Bloggers a very happy and safe holiday season and Happy 2017.

My family and I are doing something different this year. We have a challenge to buy gifts costing no more than £5 ! The more quirky the better. In the past this sort of thing has provided lots of entertainment and delight as people have opened presents of, a bath bomb, a bracelet from a charity shop (second hand, very punky studded thing), another bracelet of polished amethysts, brand new from another charity shop costing £1.99, a whoopee cushion, the free bottle of wine from a meal deal, a CD from a charity shop would fit right in. You get the idea. You have to look in strange places and you just see things that really suit someone you know. Creative types can make something of course.

The only other way to keep a load of grown up nieces and nephews happy, is to give them money or gift cards. This way they have lots of money left for the sales to get themselves what they want but they will probably have a much fonder (?) memory of the year their aunt gave them a whoopee cushion.

I’ve just ordered that Leonard Cohen Box Set you recommended Fed, for myself. 🙂 I’ve gotten more into Leonard because of people here.

I’m up late because I’ve been wrapping presents 🙂 and eating another box of chocolates I bought for a neighbour. I keep buying boxes when I see them on offer, 3 for £10 or 3 for £6, the intention is to keep them for Christmas for presents. Every year it’s the same, I’ll eat 2 out of 3 and have to go buy more !

I have to say it again 😀 Merry Christmas everyone and Happy New Year !

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you FEd and to everyone on the Blog. I am happy to have found the Blog this year, it has brought much enjoyment. Thank you.

Despite the odds, I am looking towards 2017 with a hopeful heart.

Recent purchases include Peter Wolf’s new CD, “A Cure for Loneliness”. Whether as the frontman for The J. Geils Band or solo, Peter Wolf always brings a smile. Another CD is Gary Hoey’s “Deja Blues”. Gary Hoey has been around for awhile but has recently explored the blues, with great results in my opinion… He also has a brand new CD out “Dust and Bones” which I have just started listening to. I actually have met him on a couple occasions and have to say he is easily one of the nicest people I have ever met. A bonus for me, good music made by good people.

Just one addition to your excellent list: I bought “Spirit in the Room” by Tom Jones for my father. It was released in 2012 and on it there are beautiful versions of Cohen’s “Tower of Song” (makes me cry nearly every time) and McCartney’s film song “I Want To Come Home”, a hidden treasure in McCartney’s enormous song catalogue.

2016 was a weird year, but with a beautiful tour by David and great great farewell presents by Bowie & Cohen.

Someone’s hurt their ankle so I’ve been running around like a loony, ready for our Xmas visitors. I’m waiting for a call now as the flight has been delayed then I’ll have to drive over to Newcastle, that’s after doing 200 miles today, zzzzzzzzz. Bah humbug.

One notable omission from your review is another blog standard, Nick Cave, with Skeleton Tree – Nick is of course much admired by David and Polly and part of the Brighton establishment – and this album is imbued with grief and melancholy to fit the year that 2016 was …. as for us, and a bit like Pavlov (but slightly less noble) we try and downplay the gift giving as frankly we all have too much anyway – that said Mrs C and I are treating each other to a weekend in Venice mid-January which you can’t ever have too much of!

We’re in Germany with family this Christmas and in true British style will specifically be visiting Christmas markets …..

Feliz Navidad from Spain to FEd and fellow bloggers. What a second half of the year, and not in a positive way! After going to Pompeii’s gig everything went downhill: my car was stolen, I caught pneumonia…

Luckily I got over it and here I am waiting for the surprises that 2017 will bring to us. Most likely we will have David’s live album and also Roger’s new one in May (last news from Uncut magazine).

This year was amazing musically. Apart from all the records you mentioned I would strongly recommend the Blu-ray edition of Tales from Topographic Oceans and also Tales of Mystery and Imagination. Both of them have stellar 5.1 mixes. Same has Coldplay Head Full of Dreams also in Blu-ray (this is your only chance to listen to them with a proper mastering).

The Early Years boxset is great, especially on the video side. Audio is a mixed bag and Pompeii and OBC new mixes have got a dreadful mastering.

Greatest surprise for me was listening to the hidden 5.1 mix for Meddle. Best surround release of the year!

Great selection of new music. Happy to have a reference to go by. I will enjoy adding to my collection. Really want to get Pulse on CD/DVD.

As far as gifts go my family keeps it small. I usually go with safety and practical. Last year was emergency flares and reflective triangles for loved ones to keep in their vehicles. This year I am gifting new shopping bags that are reusable with Starry Night picture on them. They hold up to 40 lbs. Not exciting but useful.

I was able to visit many people that are dear to me. Especially my Aunt that lost her son Christmas Eve in Vietnam. We had a nice visit yesterday.

My sons and their families will gather at my place for a celebration the last week of
December as that is when they were able to get time off.

So I am staying with my nice brother, and sister-in-law, at their place. My nephew, niece and her significant person were able to make it home too. Family is the best present of all! I am fortunate that for two weeks I get to be with family.

Hope 2017 will be better for those who believe 2016 was really awful (like I do). For you having had David Gilmour concert this year (some not one, some not even two of them!), – don’t know… well, may it be better if it can be. 🙂 Joking a bit.

Surely everyone wish his loved ones be more healthy and more wealthy, some be near who are apart, some get job who are jobless, some get home if homeless, other things very important for every person. I wish it all happen next year.

First of all, a sincere thank you to everyone who expressed condolences. Sorry, I have been offline for awhile.

I gave up my tickets to the the Wednesday and Thursday night shows due to an unexpected family death. All year saving myself in order to spend a week in London enjoying the final 3 2016 shows, and catching up with local friends. Due to unforeseen circumstances, my plans changed but I was able to make it in time for the final Friday night concert.

From San Francisco I flew into Vancouver for services on Wednesday and Thursday. I was able to book a red-eye flight from Vancouver to LHR Thursday night which brought me in a few hours just before the show. The flight itself was really empty so I was able stretch out on my own row of seats and catch a few hours of sleep. As soon as I landed, I dashed to my friend’s home in Hampstead to drop off my bags and grab him before the show. We arrived around 6.45, as soon as the doors opened.

I was pretty charged on adrenaline, and the excitement was bubbling over in the arena. Having not attended the other nights, the energy was dialed up. Maybe because it was Friday night too. I also spotted Andrea carrying the banner and signed it. He graciously introduced me to his friends and the other bloggers like Damian, JC, Rob. The Canadian sitting next to me mentioned that so far Sunday night had been the best night. Really nice people all around who were definitely there for the music.

Having seen this show several times, I had never seen him before with this band configuration so I was looking for differences. Unlike his usually reserved stage demeanor, David was loosened up all night. He even danced a bit on some songs. Standouts in the first set were an extended improvised jam on Money, where Guy got a scintillating bass guitar jam, and Chester really rocked it, and a powerful In Any Tongue. The second set featured a really booming Fat Old Sun that got everyone in the RAH on their feet for the outro jam. There was a premature mad dash to the stage but I noticed the ushers did a good job of stopping it. Coming Back to Life was exquisite, On an Island superb, and Today really nailed it. The final guitar solo for Sorrow really did it for me though, as it kept building up into a powerful crescendo. As soon as he ended it, the crowd dashed to the front of the stage, even before the rickety-tick delay sounds of Run Like Hell, when it normally happens. The show wasn’t over yet, he closed out with a beautiful version of Time, and a really long jam out during Comfortably Numb. I’ve always thought he had been truncating the solos since, but the solo went on forever, dishing out creative lick after lick. It was mesmerizing.

What I really noticed was how much more extra music the band was able to work into the songs in the form of extended jams. We ended up getting out around 1110, whereas last year the shows got out around 1030. Even with two more songs added to the setlist, the musical moments they added to build out the songs shows out in how much longer the show was.

Considering the particularly heavy few days leading up to the show, the show lifted my spirits. Thank you David Gilmour, the band and crew (Phil Taylor too!) and a very special thank you to Fed for giving me a very special memory that I will always remember.

Andrea, after the show I got stuck in line at the souvenir boot. By the time I made it to Door 12, you guys had gone. I hope this isn’t going to be the last time.

I foreget to mention a gift idea that I did this year for my two nephews that lost their Mother in December. I enlarged their Mother’s graduation picture, when she was 18, and put it in a nice frame for them. They appreciated it as they have no pictures of her in her younger days.

Also for each of my sons and their families I had a picture they liked enlarged and framed for presents.

Do not know how I forgot to include that. Probably because they have been wrapped and ready to go for a little while now.

May the New Year ahead be a kind one to us all~we can always hope and think positive…

Merry belated Christmas FEd and bloggers. Wishing you a happy new year too!

For Christmas I got The Early Years box, thank you long suffering husband. I’m still digesting it, and probably will be for months to come. What I’ve heard thus far is stellar. The sound is fantastic! I’m feeling very cool and young and hip that I’m the only one in my family whose Christmas gift came with a “misuse of drugs 18+” warning. (Suggestion?) I’m still a fly cat, oh yeah.

I also gifted myself the digital download of the four pre-release tracks by Beth Hart for her new album, Fire on the Floor. If you haven’t heard Beth Hart and you’re curious, a good place to start is by youtubing her song Mama. This new album is going to be great.

Finally, I couldn’t resist, I downloaded Willow Robinson on Polly’s Instagram recommendation. Wonderful, beautiful music there. I couldn’t be happier with it.

I gave my husband tickets to both nights of Dead & Co in Boulder, CO coming up in June and some tickets to see David Bromberg play the blues in a week.

My daughter didn’t escape my musical gifts either, much as she’d prefer cash. She’s got two tickets to see our symphony play music from Pokemon. (Yeah, that’s a thing).

Thank you for the additional suggestions above. I’m looking forward to giving those a listen now too.

Very best wishes, everyone, for a safe and happy new year. Cheers to 2017.

Sorry I’m a bit late to the before Christmas party, I hope everyone had a fabulous Christmas and a joyous New Year. Of course for our Orthodox friends (me included), Christmas is coming this weekend, so Merry Christmas.

I actually did receive the new Metallica CD as a gift as well as a vinyl copy of GNR – Appetite for Destruction. But my new music discovery for 2016 was Halestorm and Rival Sons. Rival Sons have been touring with Black Sabbath on their The End tour. I have to say that I knew nothing about them when I saw Sabbath but they totally blew me away live. Their latest release is called Hallowed Bones (which I also received as a gift) but I really recommend their 2014 release Great Western Valkyrie. This is a really good rock band. I would say their sound is a mixture of Zeppelin, Stones, Soundgarden and more. And their guitar player, Scott Holiday is quite innovative. Check them out.

….and back to Gilmour. I am enjoying The Early Years so much. Dramatis/Ation, More Blues (Alternative Version) is just the slow jam I needed today. I’m a blues commentator while doing my dishes, “That’s right, lay it on down.” “Bring it on home now, just like that, oh yeah”.